Remembering the Battle of Britain

A rare colour photograph of a Hurricane ofNo.1 Squadron RCAF over the south of England

Today is Battle of Britain Day. Across Britain, Poland, France, Germany, Canada, America, and elsewhere, services of remembrance and commemoration are being held as many remember the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice of those who participated in the Battle of Britain. It is has been seventy-five years since the climax of a battle in the skies which decided to a great degree the outcome of WWII.

This was the day when, 75 years ago, the Royal Air Force defeated two major attacks by German Luftwaffe bombers and fighters on England and London. 61 Luftwaffe planes were destroyed at a cost of only 31 aircraft for the RAF. These were the most severe losses that the Germans had suffered in the past month. Over the next few days, the German High Command gradually stopped large daylight raids on Britain, and the Battle of Britain, while not completely over, was virtually won.

Ground crew replace the port wheel on a Hurricane. These often forgotten,yet vital members of the RCAF, played an important role throughout the war

Britain had survived – but only just. Another week, and the tide might have turned the other way. But that was not what happened. In God’s providence, the RAF defeated the Luftwaffe and ended the threat of invasion of Britain by the Germans. Fighting would continue for another four years, but in one of the most heroic and desperate battles ever fought in the air, history was made and courage exemplified.

RCAF pilots run towards their waiting Hurricanes in thisincredible photograph taken during the height of the Battle

At the end of the Battle, almost 1500 airmen from thirteen countries had given their lives in defense of Britain – and freedom. Following is a list, by country, of those who fought and died during the official period of the Battle of Britain: July 10 – October 31, 1940.

Pilots Nation Killed in Action*

1878 United Kingdom 448

21 Australia 14

73 New Zealand 11

88 Canada 20

21 South Africa 9

2 South Rhodesia 0

8 Ireland 0

7 United States 1

141 Poland 29

86 Czechoslovakia 8

26 Belgium 6

13 France 0

1 Israel 0

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German Losses During the Battle of Britain

Bomber Crews: 2621

Fighter-Bomber Crews: 297

Fighter Pilots: 171

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May we never forget those who fought on both sides.

William Moore is a Christian young man who lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He writes frequently at his blog “For Christ’s Glory”, commenting on subjects ranging from Theology and History to Music and Film.